Evidence-based. Joy-first.

Learners with Down syndrome, autism, other delays, or reluctant readers…we built this for you.

Whole Child Reading turns visual strengths into real reading success: fast, confidence-building, and fun.

25+ years of real-world results.

♥ Join families and schools in 32 countries using the Whole Child Reading Program to turn hesitant learners into confident readers. Fast progress, engaging strategies, and real results. 

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We offer FREE SHIPPING within the United States, and we accept Purchase Orders from schools and organizations.

“Some of my (Special Ed) students have surpassed Gen Ed classes!”

“I’m amazed that my students picked up decoding naturally after starting your Emergent Bundle! My principal and Special Ed director are also highly impressed…the inclusion teacher told me some of my students (self-contained life skills) have surpassed hers in Gen Ed classes in reading!” –C.M., TX

COMPLETE READING PROGRAM

All you need to teach Emergent → Primer → First Grade—with built-in Comprehension Evaluations and our step-by-step “Your Recipe” guide.

  • Includes 7 picture books, 10 High-Frequency books, 3 flash-card sets, the Whole Child Reading textbook, Parent & Educator Guide, “Your Recipe” weekly plan, and the Comprehension Evaluation Series (Emergent, Primer, First Grade).
    Outcome: Lead your learner from zero to second-grade readiness—confidently.

EMERGENT READER BUNDLE

Emergent Reader Bundle: the entry point for all ages. Ideal for learners with limited sight words who need a firm foundation.

  • 5 glossy picture books
  • 3 High-Frequency word books
  • 1 set High-Frequency flash cards
  • Whole Child Reading textbook
  • Parent & Educator Guide (teaching & testing)
  • “Your Recipe” week-by-week teaching guide
  • Comprehension Evaluation Book — Emergent/Pre-Primer

PRIMER READING BUNDLE

Next stop: Primer. More practice, more confidence, and playful books that make those required word lists stick.

Ready for the next step?
The Primer Reading Bundle moves any-age learners toward independent reading. Levels are based on reading skill, not age. Use “Look Inside” to confirm fit; all books progress sequentially.

What’s inside

  • 1 glossy Picture Book

  • 4 Primer High-Frequency Word Books

  • Whole Child Reading textbook

  • Parent & Educator Guide (teaching & testing)

  • “Your Recipe” week-by-week teaching guide

  • 1 set High-Frequency Flash Cards

  • Comprehension Evaluation Book — Primer Level

“My students made huge progress quickly!”

“I purchased your Emergent Reader Bundle, and my students made huge progress quickly…Since using your materials, they suddenly started blending and decoding…The parents are thrilled! Some of them cried when they first heard their child read. Thank you!” -C.M., Texas

“We love and adore your program…it truly, truly works!”

Thank you thank you!!! My first grader (with Down syndrome) received an Accelerated Reader award usually given to second-to-fourth graders. I cried while I filmed him walking down the aisle while the students chanted his name…Natalie, your program made this possible! I used your program the summer before Kinder, and he went into Kinder reading…We absolutely love and adore your program, and it truly, truly works!” -J.K., Florida

NATALIE HALE

Natalie Hale - Awards

Founder, Special Reads for Special Needs
  • National/International Speaker
    • -NDSC
    • -NADS
    • -NDSS
  • Award Winning Author
  • Reading Educator & Consultant
  • Reading Program Developer

Energize and inspire your audience at your next conference, parent or educator group with Natalie’s practical and proven methods for teaching reading to learners with Down syndrome!

Whole Child Reading

Where we go “in through the heart, and teach to the brain.”

Whole Child Reading, Second Edition — updated with two new chapters. Your Quick-Start Teaching Guide for learners who learn differently: short, practical, and made for busy parents and educators.

“This book changed my life!...I would recommend it for any parent of a child with DS!” -Amazon review

“I’m literally blown away and cannot believe this book isn’t mandatory reading for teachers who work with children with special needs.” – Amazon review

What Customers Say…

Children Photos

“It is a joy to watch our students learn new words and become more interested in books!” 

“We have been using your Special Reads for Special Needs program at Notre Dame School since November 2016 and we LOVE this program! It has been a joy to watch our students learn new words and become more interested in books! Before this program, one non-verbal student was unable to read simple words, and now she is reading not just words but BOOKS! We love how the pictures are so vibrant in color, and they really are self-explanatory due to how specific the graphics are. Thank you for creating such an amazing resource that can allow ALL students to learn how to read.”  – C., K., & M., Canada

“My son had NO interest in reading, but now he’s getting it!”

“I just purchased “Whole Child Reading.”  I also  have “Down Syndrome Parenting 101” ( love it!). We have your Emergent and Primer Reading Bundles.  My son (7, Down syndrome) has had NO interest in reading but is responding well to your program. We started it a little over a month ago and he’s getting it! Thank you so much.” –J.C., Arkansas

“I’m a special ed teacher, and your book Whole Child Reading is the best thing I’ve read in a very long time!”

“I’m a special education teacher teaching 4-5th grades. I got “Whole Child Reading,” and I couldn’t put it down. I have actually had 5 others from our building buy it as well. One was our school psychologist…she loves anything having to do with the function of the brain. I have the book dog-eared, highlighted and have changed how I do things with my kiddos. Your book is truly the best thing I, as a special education teacher, have read in a very long time. It makes sense!!!!” – C.H., Oklahoma

For many more unsolicited testimonials, please visit our Testimonials Page!

FIRST GRADE READING BUNDLE

Level up to First Grade—engaging stories that build fluency and help qualify for the next literacy level. Complete instructions included. Check Look Inside to make sure it’s the right level.

  • Includes 1 picture book, 3 High-Frequency books, the Whole Child Reading textbook, Parent & Educator Guide, “Your Recipe” weekly plan, First Grade High-Frequency Flash Cards, and the First Grade Comprehension Evaluation.

!Nuevo! En Español

The “Whole Child Reading” book is now available as the Lectura integral para niños eBook along with the Core Program in Spanish.

Esta traducción al español de la edición actualizada y ampliada del popular libro de instrucciones a menudo es calificada como un “generador de cambios” tanto por educadores como por padres. Enseñar a leer a alumnos con retrasos en el desarrollo, como síndrome de Down y autismo, puede ser todo un reto, pero el método que usamos en Lectura integral para niños abre la puerta al éxito rápido y a la confianza.

Lectura integral samples